Founded in 1983, Coral Expeditions’ original vessel, Coral Princess—a converted World War II submarine chaser—pioneered and set the standard for small ship expedition cruising in northern Australia with 5-night cruises on the Great Barrier Reef.

Today, the Coral Expeditions fleet includes three purpose-built small ships that voyage from the tropical waters of northern Australia to the rugged shores of Tasmania, from the coastal villages of Papua New Guinea and the Spice Islands to the sheltered sounds and glacial fiords of New Zealand.

While the range of itineraries has expanded into new regions, Coral Expeditions has maintained its home in Cairns and remains the only major operator of extended small ship cruises on the Great Barrier Reef.

When it comes to expedition cruising, there is no replicating experience. Over 40 years, Coral Expeditions has steadily accumulated a wealth of local knowledge and contacts in the coastal regions surrounding Australia. The crew know the charts, the tides, and the winds like no other, ensuring guests are always in the right place at the right time. Whether journeying through the ancient Kimberley, Tasmania’s wilderness, the frontier lands of Papua New Guinea, or New Zealand’s majestic fiordlands, guests are assured of a local perspective, guided by regional experts, with authentic interactions and a true taste of local culture and cuisine.

At the heart of the Coral Expeditions experience are its purpose-built small expedition ships and unique tenders. In an age of glitzy mega-vessels, these intimate ships carry no more than 120 guests, allowing access to shallow bays, remote beaches, small jetties, and villages without overwhelming communities. Designed for comfort and ease in tropical waters, the fleet makes it possible to connect closely with the landscapes explored.

Coral Expeditions prides itself on bringing guests up close and personal with stunning landscapes, fascinating history, and vibrant cultures. With deep respect and a strong connection to the places visited, the team maintains flexibility in planning to allow for impromptu stops when extraordinary natural opportunities arise. Each expedition is designed to focus on truly experiencing the regions explored.

Guests return to Coral Expeditions for the promise of a truly authentic expedition experience.